Cavendish Cancer Care still here to support local people

Posted by: Claudia Downs 7th April 2020

The local charity has adapted their services to continue to support people affected by COVID-19.

Based on Wilkinson Street in Sheffield, local charity Cavendish Cancer Care offers free packages of one-to-one therapy and support for people affected by cancer. As well as supporting those diagnosed with cancer, they also support their loved ones, carers, and children.

"We are all experiencing strange and uncertain times at the moment. For those living with or caring for someone with cancer, or awaiting treatment, this is a particularly anxious time," says the charity. "Here at Cavendish Cancer Care, we are absolutely determined to keep helping families through the affects of a cancer diagnosis. No one should face cancer along and we are going to keep supporting those who need us.

We have adapted our model of care to support people using a telephone and online face-to-face service, offering counselling, relaxation and self-management techniques. Our Young People’s Service is still available, providing counselling and art therapy via video. We also have a well-established telephone service, Cavendish Cancer Buddies." (Click the link to find out more.)

Those who need our support can call us on 0114 278 4600. Our phone line is open Monday – Friday (9am – 5pm). Alternatively, we also take online referrals through our website (click here)."

HOW CAN WE HELP CAVENDISH?

Cavendish Cancer Care is a charity that receives very little statuatory funding, and relies heavily on public support to keep their doors open. The effects of the virus have had a big impact on the charity sector, with organisations like Cavendish taking big losses.

"All of us at Cavendish Cancer Care are hugely grateful for the messages of encouragement these last few weeks," the charity says. "Sadly, as numerous fundraising events and activities have been cancelled or postponed, we’re looking at an immediate loss of around £20,000 in income. We rely almost entirely on fundraising events to keep open, so we really need your help.

Please consider making a donation to our JustGiving page Cavendish Cares. Any contribution you can spare will help us continue to help others during this difficult time."

Above: Runners at the 2019 Half Marathon. The 2020 Half Marathon, that was supposed to take place last weekend, would have been a big source of income for the charity.

The charity is known for offering a lifeline to local families affected by cancer, offering vital mental and physical health support services. They work in partnership with mainstream healthcare to help people get the most out of their treatment, cope with side effects, and process their emotions in a safe space. Carly, who accessed therapy services at the centre, said "I don’t think people realise how valuable Cavendish is. I wasn’t picking between Cavendish and somewhere else to go for respite and rejuvenation, it’s invaluable because there’s nothing else like it.”

Cavendish are also encouraging local people to get involved and support the cause from home. "There are lots of really simple and fun ways to support us online," they say. "Why not rally the family or work colleagues and take part in a steps challenge? Or get creative and stream a performance live to your Facebook page? You could even do a sponsored head shave! We’ve outlined how to make the most out of Facebook, Instagram and Justgiving here - click here to read. Get your whole network involved and make a difference, in a really easy way."

Find Cavendish Cancer Care on Facebook, Twitter and on Instagram @cavcancercare. Visit their website cavcare.org.uk for more information about their services and how you can help.